Buffalo Cauliflower Wings

By Tyla | Last modified on Feb 5, 2026

Featured in: Side Dishes

Buffalo cauliflower wings are an irresistible twist on classic buffalo wings — perfect for anyone craving bold, spicy flavor without the meat. These baked florets boast crispy edges and a tangy, spicy coating that is sure to satisfy your snack or appetizer cravings, all while keeping things veggie-friendly and delicious.

Whether you’re hosting a game day, looking for a flavorful party appetizer, or simply wanting a healthier alternative to traditional wings, these buffalo cauliflower wings deliver on crave-worthy taste and satisfying crispiness. They pair wonderfully with creamy dips and offer a fantastic way to enjoy vibrant, plant-based eating.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crispy edges mimic traditional wings with a baked, not fried, method for healthier indulgence.
Bold buffalo sauce delivers spicy, tangy flavor that complements the mild cauliflower.
Easy to prepare with simple pantry staples and minimal hands-on time.
Perfect for sharing as an appetizer, snack, or party crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

All-purpose flour: Provides the base for the batter, giving structure and crispiness to each wing.
Cornstarch: Helps create a light, crispy coating to ensure the cauliflower isn’t soggy.
Garlic powder: Adds a savory depth of mild, aromatic garlic flavor throughout the batter.
Onion powder: Brings subtle sweetness and umami that enhances the overall taste.
Paprika: Infuses a smoky warmth and vibrant color to the batter mix.
Sea salt: Enhances all other flavors while balancing the batter seasoning.
Water: Combines the dry ingredients into a smooth batter that coats the florets evenly.
Cauliflower (about 2 pounds): The star ingredient broken into large, bite-sized florets for the wings.
Buffalo sauce: A spicy, tangy sauce brushed on before and after baking for signature buffalo flavor.
Ranch or blue cheese dressing (optional): Perfect for cooling dips that complement the spicy buffalo taste.

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheets: Set your oven to 450°F and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. This high temperature helps achieve crispy edges, while parchment prevents sticking and aids in cleanup.
Mix Dry Ingredients and Add Water: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and salt. Gradually add water, whisking until smooth and lump-free. This batter will adhere well to the cauliflower, creating a crispy coating once baked.
Coat Cauliflower Florets: Add the cauliflower florets to the batter and stir gently to ensure each piece is fully coated. Lifting them out carefully allows excess batter to fall back in the bowl, preventing clumps and promoting even crisping.
First Bake and Flip: Arrange the battered florets in a single layer across the baking sheets, leaving space between pieces for airflow. Bake for 10 minutes, then use a spatula to carefully flip each floret to brown evenly. Switch the baking sheet positions in the oven to ensure consistent heat distribution.
Brush With Buffalo Sauce and Bake Again: Remove the cauliflower from the oven and brush with a generous layer of buffalo sauce. Return to the oven and bake for another 12 to 15 minutes until the edges are crisp and slightly darkened. This step infuses heat and tangy flavor directly into the wings.
Final Brush and Serve: Once baked, brush the cauliflower with additional buffalo sauce for an extra punch and vibrant coating. Serve immediately with ranch, vegan ranch, or blue cheese dressing on the side for dipping, to balance the zesty heat.

You Must Know

Use large cauliflower florets to ensure a satisfying ‘wing’ texture and sturdy batter coating.
High oven heat and flipping halfway are critical to achieving a crispy outside.
Adjust buffalo sauce amount to control spiciness according to your taste.

Storage Tips

Store leftover buffalo cauliflower wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To re-crisp, bake them in the oven at 400°F for 8-10 minutes before serving.

Serving Suggestions

These wings pair beautifully with celery sticks, carrot sticks, and creamy dips like ranch or blue cheese. Serve alongside fresh salads or as an appetizer during gatherings for a crowd-pleasing snack.

Professional Tips

For extra crispiness, let coated florets rest on a wire rack for 10 minutes before baking.
Customize flavor by mixing buffalo sauce with melted vegan butter for richness.
For a gluten-free option, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend and ensure the cornstarch is gluten-free.

FAQs

Can I make these cauliflower wings spicy milder?: Yes, reduce the amount of buffalo sauce or use a milder hot sauce to tailor the spice level to your preference.
Can these wings be made vegan?: Absolutely! Use vegan-friendly buffalo sauce and plant-based ranch or blue cheese dips for a fully vegan dish.
Is it better to bake or fry the cauliflower wings?: Baking is recommended for a healthier, less greasy option while still achieving crisp edges and robust flavor.
How do I prevent the batter from clumping on the cauliflower?: Whisk the batter well until smooth and coat cauliflower pieces one at a time. Let excess drip off before baking to avoid clumps.
Can I prepare these wings ahead of time?: Yes, you can prep cauliflower florets and batter in advance and store separately. Coat and bake the wings fresh for best texture.
What can I serve with buffalo cauliflower wings?: Great accompaniments include celery sticks, carrot sticks, crusty bread, or side salads to balance the heat.